A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may be part of a hotel, resort, or other vacation facility, or it may stand alone. Casinos are often located in or near cities with large populations of people who are interested in gambling, and they attract visitors from many places in the world.
The games offered in casinos vary, but most involve chance and some include elements of skill. Some casinos, especially those in Las Vegas, are famous for their bright and gaudy decor, and have special floor and wall coverings to give a cheering effect. Red is a popular color for both the walls and furniture, since it is believed to stimulate the senses. Most casinos do not have clocks in them, because it is considered that the excitement of the games will make people lose track of time.
In the twentieth century, casinos increasingly focused their investments on high-stakes gamblers. These customers, called “high rollers”, typically gamble in special rooms away from the main floor, and their bets can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. In return, the casinos offer these customers extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, expensive transportation, and elegant living quarters. Casinos also profit from players who make small bets, such as those playing video poker.
In the United States, most casinos are located in states with legalized gambling. The largest casinos are in Las Vegas, which attracts visitors from around the world. Other major gambling centers are Atlantic City, New Jersey; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois. In 2008, 24% of Americans reported having visited a casino in the previous year. This figure is up significantly from 20% in 1989, and it reflects the increasing popularity of legalized gambling in the United States.